Facing skepticism and having to "prove" their disability exists due to its invisible nature.

State University of New York at Binghamton

- Previous Negative Experiences
- Stigma and Labeling
- Credibility Issues
- Non-Disability Identity
- Desire for "Normalcy"

Reasons for Non-Disclosure of Invisible Disabilities in Higher Education

Moriña, A. (2024). When what is unseen does not exist: disclosure, barriers and supports for students with invisible disabilities in higher education. Disability & Society, 39(4), 914-932. DOI: 10.1080/09687599.2022.2113038

Reference: When what is unseen does not exist: disclosure, barriers and supports for students with invisible disabilities in higher education

Past discrimination from faculty and peers creates desire to avoid similar treatment.

Reasons for Non-Disclosure of Invisible Disability: Previous Negative Experiences

Fear of being "stigmatized and labelled" as "lesser students" with potential employment consequences.

Reasons for Non-Disclosure of Invisible Disability: Stigma and Labeling

Reasons for Non-Disclosure of Invisible Disability: Credibility Issues

Many don't identify as "disabled," preferring to see themselves as having limitations or wanting equal treatment.

Reasons for Non-Disclosure of Invisible Disability: Non-Disability Identity

Overarching wish to develop a "normal" university student identity rather than a "disabled" one, only disclosing when difficulties become so significant they jeopardize academic continuation.

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